National Safe Toys and Gift Month

The holidays are not only a time for festivities and cheer, but also a time for gift giving – and lots of buying. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), a government agency that protects the public from the risk of injury and death associated with defective and dangerous products, is joining with Safe Kids Worldwide (SKW) and the Toy Association in order to promote toy safety awareness and prevent children from getting hurt.

Kid’s Toys: Fast Facts

According to last year’s data, children 12-years-old or younger are especially at risk for toy-associated injury and death. Although last year’s numbers are not yet complete (the agency is still working to compile information), at least 13 children died in toy-related accidents. More than half the fatalities involved riding toys, like non-motorized scooters and tricycles. In addition, 246,000 children and teens (ranging from 0 to 17-years-old) required emergency medical treatment because of toy-related injuries.

Depending on the type of toy – as well as the nature of its product flaw or unreasonably dangerous design – the injuries that consumers sustain vary. Children who are injured in toy-related incidents typically experience physical trauma in the following body parts:

• Head and/or face (such as the eye(s), mouth, or ear(s);
• Arm(s) and/or hand(s), and:
• Leg(s) and feet

Male children are more likely to experience toy-related injury and death, especially ones 5-years-old or younger. On average, boys in this age group account for more than one-half of the total injuries each year. The most common types of injuries that happen in these incidents are:

• Fractures;
• Lacerations;
• Contusions and/or abrasions, and:
• Sprains and/or strains

The CPSC classified 42% of the overall toy-related injury types last year as “other”. This means that nearly half of the total incidents involved severe and life-threatening injuries like as puncture wounds, ingestion, internal injuries, dislocations, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and concussions.

Tips for National Safe Toys and Gift Month

No one thinks that a kid’s toy is dangerous –even deadly – when he or she purchases it as a holiday gift. This is just one reason why it is so crucial that organizations like the CPSC, SKW, and the Toy Association promote toy safety awareness. By being cautious and prioritizing the safety of kids and teens alike, parents and caregivers can help avoid tragic accidents.

With the holidays rapidly approaching and it being National Safe Toys and Gift month, now is the perfect time to brush up on some helpful children’s toy and gift safety tips. Here are just a few examples:

• Always read labels! Also be sure to follow the instructions and general safety information on packaging;
• Be wary of magnets. Magnets are highly hazardous for younger kids and teenagers, and are common culprits behind serious (and sadly fatal) choking and internal injury cases;
• Do not give toys with small parts to kids age 3 or younger – this includes marbles and small balls;
• Only purchase toys from trusted and/or known sellers, and:
• Purchase all necessary safety gear for every toy (for example, always purchase a helmet to accompany riding toys)

Remember: manufacturers are responsible for creating and distributing safe products. When consumers are put in danger or sustain injuries because a manufacturer fails to comply with federal safety standards, it may be time to speak with an attorney about how to file a personal injury claim.

While it is always important to stay up to date on product recalls, during the holidays it is arguably even more so. With so many presents being exchanged, the chances for kids and teens to experience toy-related injury and death sometimes increases. From the whole team here at Galfand Berger we wish you and your loved ones a happy – and safe! – holiday season. If you have any more questions or concerns about unsafe children’s products, a representative at our firm can help.

Philadelphia Product Liability Lawyers at Galfand Berger, LLP Represent Victims of Defective Products

If you sustained injuries because of a defective or dangerous product, please contact our Philadelphia product liability lawyers at Galfand Berger. With offices located in Philadelphia, Bethlehem, Reading, and Lancaster, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. To schedule a consultation, call us at 800-222-8792 or complete our online contact form.